The Movement Practice for Domestic Violence (DV) Survivors program is a community-based educational initiative designed to offer trauma-informed, culturally resonant, and survivor-centered support for individuals impacted by domestic violence. Developed by WADE in collaboration with the Rompi il Silenzio Anti-Violence Center in Rimini, Italy, and the National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma and Mental Health (NCDVTMH) in the US, the program emphasizes healing through movement and sound. It is structured around a 2-part training process, including sessions in New York City and Rimini, focusing on experiential learning and developing a one-of-a-kind movement practice for survivors.

The program is designed with joy and compassion at its core and integrates expertise from trained professionals to create a holistic healing environment.

All training materials, including office supplies, books, and other items, have been sourced from Materials for the Arts.

Program phases:

1. The cohort will take a 24 hour trauma informed course: An experiential and pedagogical introduction to movement as a healing process for DV survivors designed around the ACRTI framework (Accessible, Culturally Responsive, and Trauma informed) created by the National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma and Mental Health. The training is part of Module 1 and 2 of the Core Curriculum on Creating Accessible, Culturally Responsive and Trauma-Informed Services (A Capacity Building Training for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Programs).
   Instructors: Giada Matteini (movement) and Ai Isshiki (sound)
   NCDVTMH trainer: Victoria Wynecoop
   Guest Lecturer: Sakiko Mori
   Choreographer: Lou Sydel

2. The cohort will continue the training in Rimini for an additional 12 hours to create a one-of-a-kind workshop structure for Rompi il Silenzio. They will also rehearse Lou Sydel’s choreography to be performed as a site specific work at the center.
   Instructors: Giada Matteini (movement) and Ai Isshiki (sound)
   Assistant to the Instructors: Chiara Pretelli
   Rompi il Silenzio Representative: Valeria Guagnelli

3. The cohort and facilitators will lead 2 (two) events for the clients of Rompi il Silenzio, who are victims and survivors of domestic violence. The events will include a movement workshop with live music, a performance and a community dinner.
   Facilitators: Giada Matteini (movement) and Ai Isshiki (sound), Chiara Pretelli, Adia Edmondson, Alisha Khatwani, Natalia Nitikin and Kaitlyn Posada.
   Rompi il Silenzio Representative: Valeria Guagnelli

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our generous donors whose support makes it possible to offer vital programs that empower and aid the healing journey of domestic violence survivors. Your contributions are helping rebuild lives and restore hope.

THANK YOU to Carol Babbitt, Liz Chen, Jennifer Chin, Elizabeth Coker, Seán Curran, Adia Edmondson, John Eng, Laura Hart, Rebecca Jafari, Phyllis Lamhut, Cherylyn Lavagnino, Sarah Lutz, The Peaceable Barn, Conrad Rubin, Colleen Kong-Savage, cari ann shim sham*, Mal Stein, Bliss Trunfio, John Trunfio, Lilah van rens, and all the community partners who have donated to our auction!